By Alma Hinojosa

I did not know what to expect when Judge Arguello told me that I would be attending a conference in San Antonio, Texas to speak about LAW SCHOOL … Sí Se Puede. This not only made me feel excited, but also anxious because I had no idea what to expect. The more I became conscious of what I had heard on the telephone, the more aware I became that I would be traveling with Judge Arguello. She is more than just a role model and an inspiration. She is confirmation that dreams do come true and that Yes, I have the ability to go to San Antonio and represent the LAW SCHOOL … Sí Se Puede Fellows.

During the time I was in San Antonio, I met so many wonderful people who were curious to know what brought me to the HNBA Conference. When I would explain I was only a freshman at CU Boulder in Colorado, I feared that people would lose interest and walk away. Instead, they reached out to me and shared meaningful words of wisdom. It was an honor to have met them and know who they are. And it gave me a sense of pride to speak on behalf of the Fellows in LAW SCHOOL … Sí Se Puede and share my story.

The day I delivered my speech at the HNBA Conference was unforgettable. Judge Arguello told me I would not be using a paper to deliver my speech, I would talk from the heart about my experience in LAW SCHOOL … Sí Se Puede. I felt so much pressure! I was not sure where to start and how to go about my speech. As I began to speak, I managed to make eye contact and deliver a speech that defined who I am and the dreams I have. At that moment, I realized that all the people sitting before me were all there to offer their support to me. I will never forget that opportunity because I met people from all walks of life that were humble and passionate about what they do. I gained the understanding that in order for others to believe in me, I have to believe in myself.

“Sí, Se Puede” is a phrase born of farmworkers, who, under the leadership of the UFW, César Chávez, and Dolores Huerta, fought valiantly for equal protection under the law. As a result of the efforts of the UFW, “Sí, Se Puede” has become well known as a call that engenders hope and inspiration in those who face similar battles. We thank the UFW, whom we acknowledge to be the sole and exclusive owner of the Trademark SI SE PUEDE, for granting us a limited license to use“Sí, Se Puede” in connection with our efforts to recruit, in Colorado, students of Hispanic or Latino descent for our law school pipeline program. For more information about the programs offered by the UFW, please see UFW’s webpage (www.ufw.org); UFW Foundation’s webpage (www.ufwfoundation.org); and UFWF’s immigration services webpage (www.sisepuede.org)